Best Compact Cameras to Swap Your Smartphone For

DSLR cameras are bulky, heavy, and don't travel well. Compact cameras, on the other hand, are small enough to toss into a bag — some even in a pocket — and they take far better photos than your smartphone's camera. We've rounded up some of the best, most portable compact cameras for every skill level and budget.

The Fujifilm X100F sports a retro design that resembles the Leica Model 3. Its build quality is solid, and you won't look like a tourist when using it. It's equipped with a 24MP X-Trans CMOS sensor, 35-millimeter equivalent F2 lens, and a joystick for setting an autofocus point. The X100F has a steep asking price, but it's capable of capturing SLR-quality images in a much smaller body. You won't be disappointed.

The Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V by Sony is one of the best compact cameras available. This ultra fast camera is capable of capturing photos whose quality rivals that of a pro-grade DSLR. It's beautifully crafted, easy to use, shoots 4K video, and is small enough to pocket. If you want one of the best compact cameras, look no further than the RX100 V.

Like most compacts, Panasonic's ZS100 has a 1-inch sensor, electronic viewfinder, and built-in Wi-Fi. Additionally, this compact is capable of recording 4K video. What makes it stand out is its excellent 10-magnification optical zoom lens and dual 5-axis optical image stabilization system. Together, they make it the perfect camera for concerts. If you are looking for a camera with a broad set of features, pocketable size, and a long zoom lens, the Panasonic LUMIX ZS100 is the one for you.

Even though the DSC-RX100M III was released in 2014, this older model continues to impress, and it even has the same 1-inch sensor as its successor. The RX100M III might still be too pricy for some, but it's equipped with an electronic viewfinder, records Full HD video, and features a fast 24-70-millimeter f1.8-2.8 lens.

Canon added its newest DIGIC 7 processor to the PowerShot G7 X Mark II, which improves shooting performance and speed. The camera lacks a viewfinder, but it has a touchscreen, Wi-Fi, and NFC connectivity. We would have liked to see 4K recording, but this one is limited to 1080p Full HD video recording. Nonetheless, this camera provides above-average photo quality in a small body thanks to its 1-inch 20.1 million-pixel CMOS sensor and 4-magnification optical zoom.

Similarly to Sony's RX100 V, the LUMIX DMC-LX10K by Panasonic is equipped with a 1-inch sensor that captures absolutely stunning photographs. Compared to its sibling, the LUMIX ZS100, this model has a fast but shorter zoom lens, and less battery life.

It has a super speedy 24-72-millimeter f/1.4-2.8 equivalent lens, touchscreen, dedicated aperture and lens control rings, and an optical image stabilization system. The camera lacks a viewfinder, which could be a turnoff for some, but its autofocus system is one of the industry's best.

The PowerShot SX730 HS is an ultra-compact camera with an ultra-long zoom. Canon managed to pack a 40-magnification optically stabilized zoom lens – with a 24-960-millimeter focal length – and a 20.3-megapixel CMOS sensor in a tiny 110-by-64-by-40-millimeter body. The camera is the perfect traveling companion. Its 3-inch LCD (sans-touchscreen) flips upward 180 degrees for selfies. Not only that, it's chock-full of features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Full HD video recording.

The Canon PowerShot SX620 HS is a compact camera that's geared more toward beginners and casual photographers. For its size and affordable price, the camera has fantastic image quality. It is capable of shooting in RAW, but the camera doesn't offer much manual control. Its 25-magnification optical zoom lens covers an equivalent 25-625-millimeter range. That's a little less zoom than Sony's SX730, but its plenty long enough to shoot your child's recital or take with you on vacation. The camera comes in black, red, or silver.

The Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS is the best budget compact camera. It's small enough to slip in your pocket, captures good quality photos (even in low light),and records Full HD video clips. Its built-in Wi-Fi and NFC make it easy to transfer your photos to your phone for editing and posting.

The Nikon COOLPIX A900 has a 1/2.3-inch 20 MP CMOS sensor, superb 35-magnification zoom range, adjustable display, and rich set of external controls. Features like Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth, and GPS connectivity make it stand out, as does the ability to capture 4K video footage. This is a great option for nature photographers or buyers looking for a compact superzoom.

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